Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Miami Gardens, FL (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

Bakersfield is 10% cheaper than Miami Gardens.

$1,371/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 25%
$77,397/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↓ 21%
$347,300 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$337,200 ↓ 3%
$1,540/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↑ 6%
408,366
Population
111,264

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $338/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $4,056/year.

Median household income is $16,418/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $337,200 in Miami Gardens.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Miami Gardens residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Miami Gardens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $338/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $16,418/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Miami Gardens has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Miami Gardens details →

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